Safe Powerboat HandlingClassroom Session One

Powerpoint 2 of 2

Engine Information

Outboards Engine mounted on transom of boat 2hp – 350+ hp 2-stroke or 4-stroke

• 2-strokes fire once every revolution of the crankshaft• Power / intake-exhaust; compression

• 4-strokes fire once every 2 revolutions of the crankshaft• Intake – compression – power - exhaust

• 2-strokes use a gas/oil mixture• 4-strokes use straight gas (oil is in the crankcase)• Traditional 2-strokes are becoming obsolete

• Bad for the environment• Less fuel efficient

SPR p.13

Engine InformationOutboards

Variable shaft lengths Can be tilted all the way up or removed for storage Parts of an outboard engine p.14

Engine Information

Inboards Engine mounted inside boat Gasoline or diesel

• Diesel is safer than gas – less risk for fire• Gas inboards MUST have a backfire flame arrestor

3 types of drive options:• Fixed propeller drives

• Prop shaft passes through bottom of boat• Steered by a rudder

• Stern drive (I/O)• Engine mounted inside and the power train goes through transom to the

stern drive• Stern drive has tilt and trim similar to an outboard

• Jet drive• Impeller accelerates water through a nozzle to produce propulsive thrust

SPR p.20

Engine Information

SPR p.20

Engine Information

Proper fueling procedures

Common fueling mistakes• Forget to vent the jerry can• Nozzle not tightly attached to jerry can• Overfilling• Pouring one tank straight into another without a funnel or

nozzle• Pouring fuel into a deck fill that is NOT for fuel

SPR p.18, 25

Engine Information Proper start-up procedures for gas engines

• Inspect all hoses and wires• Check fuel, oil and transmission fluid levels• Run blower for 4 min (inboards)• Lower engine into water (outboards and I/Os)• Open vent, pump fuel primer bulb until firm• Ensure that gear shift is in neutral• Attach stop switch (kill switch)• Pull cord / turn key to start

• Use choke and adjust idle as needed until running smoothly

• Once running, MAKE SURE THERE IS A STREAM OF WATER FLOWING FROM THE INSPECTION OUTLET

• Check gaugesSPR p.16, 21

Engine Information

Gauge Guidelines• Hour Meter• Volt Meter

• 12+ volts

• Oil Pressure• MINIMUM of 20 PSI

• RPM – • MAX Idle RPM of 800

• Temperature• 140-160 is normal; 180+ is overheating

Engine Information

Troubleshooting Fuel – Spark – Compression!

Nothing happens when you turn the key• Spark – is the battery dead? Are you in neutral?

Engine turns over but won’t catch• Fuel – is the engine getting gas? Is there water in the gas? Is the

fuel line attached backwards?• STOP SWITCH!

Engine runs fine at idle but kills when at higher RPM• Spark – bad spark plug? Loose spark plug lead?

Pre-Boarding Preparation

Check weather conditions Not just for today but for yesterday and tomorrow!

Internet Weather.com Sailflow.com Intellicast.com NOAA.gov

VHF WX channels – broadcast continual marine forecasts

SPR p.29

Pre-Boarding Preparation

Check tides and currents

Occasional current in mouths of harbors depending on wave/swell direction

• To check current, use a current stick or observe motion of water around a fixed object

Pre-Boarding Preparation

File a Float Plan!

SPR p. 31

Pre-Boarding Preparation

Complete Vessel Checklist

Example Checklist: Chicago Yacht Club

BREAK

Boat Operation

Proper boat storage – At the dock

Engine raised and flushed (well….maybe) Steering wheel turned so steering arm is enclosed Lines checked and flemished Fenders hung at proper height Battery switched off (if appropriate) Any gear that was used stowed appropriately Bilge checked Garbage emptied

Boat Operation

Proper boat storage – Ashore

Trailer guidelines

• Be diligent with checking all aspects of trailer and connection

• Don’t settle – if boat isn’t seated properly, redo it

• Always remember to raise your engine before driving up the ramp!

• Check your tie downs multiple times.

SPR p.143

Knots

www.animatedknots.com

Cleat hitch

Bowline

Round turn w/2 half hitches

Sheet bend

Coiling and heaving

SPR p.35

REVIEW QUESTIONS